The Prime Minister by William Henry Giles Kingston
alone they can stem thetorrent, or rather, turn it aside; nor is it in the power of one man todo so; yet have I done much, and even alone, will I boldly strive forthe glorious principle of our constitution."--His eye dilated, and heunconsciously rose from his chair, as with increased energy, hecontinued--"and if I fail, and am hurled, as I most assuredly shall be,to destruction, I shall have the consolation of knowing that I haveplayed for a glorious stake."
"Your words overpower me with astonishment," exclaimed Don Luis. "I didnot suppose such ideas could have been conceived by the heart of man,much less by the members of an order whose quiet and unobtrusive mannersare their marked distinction."
"Trust not ever to such deceitful appearances as the outward manners ofa man," answered the Father; "a general, who would succeed against thefoe, must not show his position and strength. Luis, I have thus spokenopenly to you, far more so than to any who have not passed the thresholdof our order; for I would win you to enter; and I know that I may trustto your judgment and honour; and were it not strictly forbidden, Ishould not fear to confide to you all the mysteries of our admirableinstitution. Ah!" he exclaimed, as his eye brightened, and a proudsmile lighted up his majestic features, "an institution based on suchfirm, such true principles of philosophy, must live, though, for a time,it may sink beneath persecution--though, for a time, through theignorance and obtuseness of members incapable of comprehending itstenets alone, its aims may be perverted, and its power diminished, yetthe true word, the principle of its existence, will never be lost; andwhen the world least expects it, when people are unprepared to opposeit, will it spring up with power and lustre far surpassing what it everbefore attained. In countries the most liberal and enlightened will itpossess the greatest influence, by means of that very education of whichthey boast--ay, even in that country from which you have just returned,whose Church, through the absurd folly and neglect of its own ministers,has become a mere cipher in the state, without a shadow of authorityover the people; yet does the true principle exist among a few sagaciousmen, who will cherish it as the lapidary does a precious jewel, whosevalue, when yet uncut, is unestimated by the common eye. The day willarrive when all those who acknowledge the symbol of the cross will againbe joined under one ruling power,--the glorious aim of our order. Youdeem me enthusiastic and visionary in my hopes, because you know not thesecret means by which we work. You know not how we become acquaintedwith the intricate operations of the minds of all with whom we come incontact, of all classes and religions. We learn the passions, thefrailties, the foibles of every one; and thus many, unknown even tothemselves, are our tools, and while they fancy that they are obeyingthe rules of their own sect, are but working out our ends. The end withus sanctities the means, and thus, to attain our objects, we considerevery disguise, every fraud, allowable. Know, also, that though ouropen and avowed members are numerous, yet they fall far short of thereal strength of our body; for we have among the priests of each of thevarious sects of the religion of the cross our secret brethren, who arestrenuously working for the great cause. Ah, you start! but the idea isnot new; and such was practised before that religion became known to theworld; and in that very country which boasts of possessing what iscalled the blessing of religious liberty do we most strenuously work thewhole force of that intricate machinery, which was for years forming,before it was brought to perfection; and thus shall we be able to laughto scorn the puny efforts of those who dare to oppose us; for even now,in the seats of learning, in every university of the kingdom I speak of,are the seeds sown which will, sooner or later, bring their fruit toperfection. And it is among the young and pliant minds, while theyfancy themselves most secure, that we most easily work our way. But thegreat assistants to our cause are the softer sex; for, by their gentleinfluence are others won over to aid us, and we therefore spare no meansto gain them. We work upon their vanity; the tendency of their naturesto adoration; the feeling that they must lean for support on others, tomake them place their trust in us; and when such means fail, we wintheir love: their passions make them subservient to us, and they becomeour slaves for ever. But such license has been much abused by the basermembers of our order, who cannot comprehend that it is over the mindsalone of their flock that authority is given them, to gain which anymeans may be pardoned."
There is no bait which has more alluring attractions than the idea ofpossessing illimitable power over the minds of our fellow men; yet DonLuis was not caught by it. And, although the Father was enthusiastic inhis hopes, he did not exaggerate the influence which his sect possessedthroughout the world; as for his predictions with respect to Britain, atthis day their great stronghold, we must examine well the principlesprofessed openly by a large body of the members of the EstablishedChurch, encouraged by many of the highest rank in it, and admired by thegreater number of the young aspirants for the clerical profession, andthen let us judge whether they were well founded or not. But we wishnot here to discuss the subject, and have given merely the opinion ofone high in his order, as we have found it written, whose mind wasraised far above the vulgar aims of his associates.
Don Luis heard with unmitigated astonishment the doctrines which theFather so boldly advanced; although, from the various societies in whichhe mixed during his travels, particularly in Paris, where thoseprinciples of false philosophy were generally discussed, which led tothe atrocities of the revolution, he was not quite so much startled asmost men of his rank in Portugal would have been; yet he was of toogenerous, too unambitious a disposition to be thus tempted to grasp themysterious and potent sceptre presented to him.
"Father," he answered, gravely, after some minutes' silence, "myambition aims not at such power as you describe; and, methinks, few butthose who have from their youth been educated in your order, could bebrought to train their minds to forward a system which has, to theuninitiated, too much the appearance of treachery towards their fellowmen; for as such I feel it, though, to you I speak with no disrespect,and am grateful for the confidence you repose in me, which, be assured,I will not betray; but I must endeavour to seek some other field for myexertions than the one you offer."
The Jesuit looked at him sternly; it seemed, that an almostimperceptible smile--it might have been a sneer--played round his mouth."I did not anticipate such an answer from you, Luis," he said, "butthought you would take a more comprehensive and philosophical view ofthe principles I have explained to you; yet, my wish being alone toconvince your understanding, I will not further press the subject,though I feel assured you will, before long, learn to change youropinion. However, for the present, my good cousin, I trust your mindwill be sufficiently employed on the reflections to which ourconversation has given rise, to make you forget the treachery and deceitof Donna Theresa--qualities which, you seem to insinuate, belongexclusively to our order. Now, let me tell you, that, in communicationwith the world, all men use deceit; that it is impossible to succeedwithout it; and that truth, as society is constituted, is utterlyincompatible with its customs. Indeed, the latter quality exists but inone science, and that is in geometry: all else is false orunsatisfactory. Talk, therefore, no more of deceit and treachery, forthe world, our very existence, is full of it, and you cannot avoid thecommon lot." The Priest smiled, perhaps at his own reasoning, andcontinued--"Now, my dear cousin, think of what I have said, and when youreturn to Lisbon, we will speak further on these matters. In themeantime, you must be the bearer of important information to yourfather, which I have gained from an indubitable source. Learn, then,that Carvalho is using every effort to crush our order,--so strong abarrier to his ambition,--and, knowing that the nobles are our firmupholders, he intends to weaken their influence in the state, bybringing accusations of all sorts against them; when he will imprison,banish, or execute all whom he fears. I have reason to think that he,at present, suspects there is a plot hatching against him; but he allowsit to proceed, anxious to get as many as possible drawn into it, and,amongst them, your father. Advise him, therefore, to remain quietly athis Quinta;
neither answering, nor, if possible, receiving, anycommunications made to him, till he hears further from me; and when youreturn to Lisbon, avoid intimacy with any one, for you cannot discernfriends from foes in these times. And now, my son, farewell: I expectanother visitor, and must not detain you."
"Farewell, most reverend Father," answered Don Luis, rising at the hint,and respectfully kissing the hand held out to him. "I shall not easilyforget your conversation; and your advice I will bear to my father."
The tinkle of a bell summoned a lay brother, who escorted Don Luis fromthe apartment, the Superior following the young man's retiring form withhis piercing glance. "He will yet be mine," he uttered, half aloud."He is wary and timid, and will not take the bait at the first sight;but it is too bright and dazzling not to attract him
"Your words overpower me with astonishment," exclaimed Don Luis. "I didnot suppose such ideas could have been conceived by the heart of man,much less by the members of an order whose quiet and unobtrusive mannersare their marked distinction."
"Trust not ever to such deceitful appearances as the outward manners ofa man," answered the Father; "a general, who would succeed against thefoe, must not show his position and strength. Luis, I have thus spokenopenly to you, far more so than to any who have not passed the thresholdof our order; for I would win you to enter; and I know that I may trustto your judgment and honour; and were it not strictly forbidden, Ishould not fear to confide to you all the mysteries of our admirableinstitution. Ah!" he exclaimed, as his eye brightened, and a proudsmile lighted up his majestic features, "an institution based on suchfirm, such true principles of philosophy, must live, though, for a time,it may sink beneath persecution--though, for a time, through theignorance and obtuseness of members incapable of comprehending itstenets alone, its aims may be perverted, and its power diminished, yetthe true word, the principle of its existence, will never be lost; andwhen the world least expects it, when people are unprepared to opposeit, will it spring up with power and lustre far surpassing what it everbefore attained. In countries the most liberal and enlightened will itpossess the greatest influence, by means of that very education of whichthey boast--ay, even in that country from which you have just returned,whose Church, through the absurd folly and neglect of its own ministers,has become a mere cipher in the state, without a shadow of authorityover the people; yet does the true principle exist among a few sagaciousmen, who will cherish it as the lapidary does a precious jewel, whosevalue, when yet uncut, is unestimated by the common eye. The day willarrive when all those who acknowledge the symbol of the cross will againbe joined under one ruling power,--the glorious aim of our order. Youdeem me enthusiastic and visionary in my hopes, because you know not thesecret means by which we work. You know not how we become acquaintedwith the intricate operations of the minds of all with whom we come incontact, of all classes and religions. We learn the passions, thefrailties, the foibles of every one; and thus many, unknown even tothemselves, are our tools, and while they fancy that they are obeyingthe rules of their own sect, are but working out our ends. The end withus sanctities the means, and thus, to attain our objects, we considerevery disguise, every fraud, allowable. Know, also, that though ouropen and avowed members are numerous, yet they fall far short of thereal strength of our body; for we have among the priests of each of thevarious sects of the religion of the cross our secret brethren, who arestrenuously working for the great cause. Ah, you start! but the idea isnot new; and such was practised before that religion became known to theworld; and in that very country which boasts of possessing what iscalled the blessing of religious liberty do we most strenuously work thewhole force of that intricate machinery, which was for years forming,before it was brought to perfection; and thus shall we be able to laughto scorn the puny efforts of those who dare to oppose us; for even now,in the seats of learning, in every university of the kingdom I speak of,are the seeds sown which will, sooner or later, bring their fruit toperfection. And it is among the young and pliant minds, while theyfancy themselves most secure, that we most easily work our way. But thegreat assistants to our cause are the softer sex; for, by their gentleinfluence are others won over to aid us, and we therefore spare no meansto gain them. We work upon their vanity; the tendency of their naturesto adoration; the feeling that they must lean for support on others, tomake them place their trust in us; and when such means fail, we wintheir love: their passions make them subservient to us, and they becomeour slaves for ever. But such license has been much abused by the basermembers of our order, who cannot comprehend that it is over the mindsalone of their flock that authority is given them, to gain which anymeans may be pardoned."
There is no bait which has more alluring attractions than the idea ofpossessing illimitable power over the minds of our fellow men; yet DonLuis was not caught by it. And, although the Father was enthusiastic inhis hopes, he did not exaggerate the influence which his sect possessedthroughout the world; as for his predictions with respect to Britain, atthis day their great stronghold, we must examine well the principlesprofessed openly by a large body of the members of the EstablishedChurch, encouraged by many of the highest rank in it, and admired by thegreater number of the young aspirants for the clerical profession, andthen let us judge whether they were well founded or not. But we wishnot here to discuss the subject, and have given merely the opinion ofone high in his order, as we have found it written, whose mind wasraised far above the vulgar aims of his associates.
Don Luis heard with unmitigated astonishment the doctrines which theFather so boldly advanced; although, from the various societies in whichhe mixed during his travels, particularly in Paris, where thoseprinciples of false philosophy were generally discussed, which led tothe atrocities of the revolution, he was not quite so much startled asmost men of his rank in Portugal would have been; yet he was of toogenerous, too unambitious a disposition to be thus tempted to grasp themysterious and potent sceptre presented to him.
"Father," he answered, gravely, after some minutes' silence, "myambition aims not at such power as you describe; and, methinks, few butthose who have from their youth been educated in your order, could bebrought to train their minds to forward a system which has, to theuninitiated, too much the appearance of treachery towards their fellowmen; for as such I feel it, though, to you I speak with no disrespect,and am grateful for the confidence you repose in me, which, be assured,I will not betray; but I must endeavour to seek some other field for myexertions than the one you offer."
The Jesuit looked at him sternly; it seemed, that an almostimperceptible smile--it might have been a sneer--played round his mouth."I did not anticipate such an answer from you, Luis," he said, "butthought you would take a more comprehensive and philosophical view ofthe principles I have explained to you; yet, my wish being alone toconvince your understanding, I will not further press the subject,though I feel assured you will, before long, learn to change youropinion. However, for the present, my good cousin, I trust your mindwill be sufficiently employed on the reflections to which ourconversation has given rise, to make you forget the treachery and deceitof Donna Theresa--qualities which, you seem to insinuate, belongexclusively to our order. Now, let me tell you, that, in communicationwith the world, all men use deceit; that it is impossible to succeedwithout it; and that truth, as society is constituted, is utterlyincompatible with its customs. Indeed, the latter quality exists but inone science, and that is in geometry: all else is false orunsatisfactory. Talk, therefore, no more of deceit and treachery, forthe world, our very existence, is full of it, and you cannot avoid thecommon lot." The Priest smiled, perhaps at his own reasoning, andcontinued--"Now, my dear cousin, think of what I have said, and when youreturn to Lisbon, we will speak further on these matters. In themeantime, you must be the bearer of important information to yourfather, which I have gained from an indubitable source. Learn, then,that Carvalho is using every effort to crush our order,--so strong abarrier to his ambition,--and, knowing that the nobles are our firmupholders, he intends to weaken their influence in the state, bybringing accusations of all sorts against them; when he will imprison,banish, or execute all whom he fears. I have reason to think that he,at present, suspects there is a plot hatching against him; but he allowsit to proceed, anxious to get as many as possible drawn into it, and,amongst them, your father. Advise him, therefore, to remain quietly athis Quinta;
"Farewell, most reverend Father," answered Don Luis, rising at the hint,and respectfully kissing the hand held out to him. "I shall not easilyforget your conversation; and your advice I will bear to my father."
The tinkle of a bell summoned a lay brother, who escorted Don Luis fromthe apartment, the Superior following the young man's retiring form withhis piercing glance. "He will yet be mine," he uttered, half aloud."He is wary and timid, and will not take the bait at the first sight;but it is too bright and dazzling not to attract him